The Ambassador of Andorra in Spain, Eva Descarrega, offered a detailed presentation on the state of the negotiations of the Association Agreement between the Principality and the European Union, its strategic objectives, and the implications for Andorran citizens and businesses.
The Diplomatic Forum of the Principality of Asturias, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Principality of Andorra, held a conference last Tuesday, May 12, dedicated to the negotiation process that both parties expect to sign this year and which is considered key for the future institutional and economic integration of the country within the European framework.
Although Andorra is not part of the European Union, there are several agreements in force between both parties, starting with Andorra having the euro as its official currency. And not only does it use it in its transactions, but it can also mint its own coins.
Andorra and the EU, on the other hand, benefit from a customs agreement whose result is that Andorra is a member of the EU only for the trade of manufactured goods (excluding agricultural products).
There is also an agreement in force between France, Spain, and Andorra regarding the movement and residence of third-country citizens. Since Andorra has not signed the Schengen Treaty, non-EU citizens traveling to the Principality must check whether they need a visa.
Another agreement stipulates the automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax accounting.
Finally, the Cooperation Agreement with the European Union in numerous areas is also relevant: environment, communications, information, culture, transport, regional and cross-border cooperation as well as social issues.
The meeting —organized by the Diplomatic Forum of the Principality of Asturias in collaboration with the Embassy of the Principality of Andorra— brought together more than a hundred guests, including around fifty ambassadors and diplomats accredited in Spain, at the headquarters of the Riojan Center, which demonstrated the interest generated by Andorra’s approach to the EU.
